Severe Emergency Weather Protocol (SWEP) Volunteer

What is SWEP?

SWEP stands for  Severe Weather Emergency Protocol, which is a local authority's temporary response to severe weather that protects vulnerable people sleeping rough.  SWEP is activated when there is a real risk of loss of life due to weather conditions, such as when the temperature is predicted to be zero degrees Celsius or below for three nights in a row.  Other factors that may be considered include rain, snow, wind chill, and exceptional weather like extreme wind, rain, and flooding.

SWEP provides temporary accommodation for rough sleepers or street homeless people during the SWEP period.  SWEP is accessible to anyone who needs help, including people who do not have recourse to public funds or a priority need for homeless help.

You'll be helping set up beds in one of five venues in the city, welcoming in rough sleepers and ensuring they are comfortable and assisting the agency workers with paperwork and procedures. This is an afternoon-evening role and you are not expected to stay overnight. You'll be working as a small group of volunteers.

THIS IS AN ON CALL ROLE AND YOU WILL BE CONTACTED USUALLY A DAY BEFORE TO ASK IF YOU CAN TAKE PART, WE WILL THEN ASSIGN YOU A VENUE TO ATTEND AND EMAIL ALL INFO!

Responsible to:  Caring in Bristol Staff, SWEP agency staff

Location:  5 locations across Bristol – majority are based in BS5 or city centre